How Much Does a Blackberry Cost?

BlackBerry smartphones hit their peak as popular devices for business professionals in the mid- to late-2000s, but demand has dropped after the introduction of Android and iPhone competitors. BlackBerry's smartphones are compatible with Microsoft Exchange and Google, which can help synchronize email and calendars. This means integration with existing corporate email is simple, and IT administrators can control security permissions and wipe out data on lost or stolen units.

Typical costs:

BlackBerry's newest smartphone, the fully touchscreen Z10[1] is available for pre-orders through Verizon[2] , AT&T[3] and Best Buy[4] for $200.

Older BlackBerry models like the Curve[5] and Bold[6] series are less expensive than touchscreen models and are available through wireless communications providers. For example, AT&T[7] sells the BlackBerry Curve for $30 with a two-year contract. Without the contract, the phone costs $380. Verizon[8] offers a BlackBerry Bold 9930 for $100 with a two-year contract. Without the contract, the phone costs $510.

Most BlackBerry phones have 3G or 4G[11] high-speed data and voice capacity, which allows web browsing, e-mail functions and text messaging. BlackBerry phones should have Bluetooth connectivity and a speaker phone function. All BlackBerry devices have access to BlackBerry's App World[12] .

The BlackBerry Enterprise Server allows business user remote synchronization not only of email but also corporate calendars, contact lists, note pads and to-do lists. The BES option associates the smart phone with a Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes or Novell GroupWise work email account. More information can be found at BlackBerry's email support page[13] . One can send and receive e-mail from up to 10 supported email accounts.

BlackBerry phones should come with a charger for the device as well as a USB cord for syncing with a desktop or laptop computer. Some BlackBerry phones also include headphones for listening to music. Accessories included with the device can vary by wireless carrier.

Purchasing a phone without a two-year contract can be more expensive at the outset, but it saves customers from being tied to a wireless provider. A contract-free phone can be purchased from one provider and activated through another.

Additional costs:

Service plans vary by service providers, and individual consumer prices will differ from bulk-plan corporate prices. Because the BlackBerry allows for several service providers, including AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, it's smart to comparison shop. For more information, read How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost.

Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $5 -$10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail for a phone.

Opting out of a contract without completing it generally results in cancellation fee of $175-$350.

Discounts:

Major cell phone service providers offer periodic rebates that can lower the price. Check for current deals when purchasing a new smartphone.

A refurbished or pre-owned BlackBerry device is less expensive than a new one. For example, AT&T offers a refurbished BlackBerry Torch 9810[14] for $0.01, for customers who sign up for a two-year contract.

Shopping for a blackberry:

Blackberry allows customers to compare up to five models[15] of phones.

BlackBerry also offers a store locator[16] for finding local locations to purchase phones and usage plans.

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